Liverpool : Javier Mascherano targets double swoop

Javier Mascherano believes that Liverpool can salvage something from this season by lifting the Europa League in addition to qualifying for the Champions League.

Despite failing to build on last season's second-place finish in the Barclays Premier League, the Argentina captain has faith that the Reds can restore some pride by meeting the two targets to ensure that the current campaign can be considered a success of sorts.


Having crashed out of the Champions League, in addition to the Carling and FA Cups, Liverpool will face Unirea Urziceni next month in the Europa League and Mascherano, 25, sees no reason why Rafael Benitez's side cannot sweep all before them between now and the end of the season.

He said: "The target for us is to try and be in the top four in the league and to win the Europa League.

"For me the Europa League is important because at the moment it is the only competition we can win.

"Okay, it is not the Champions League but I want to win something with Liverpool and we have the chance to do that in the Europa League, so we will try our best to win that.

"Also, if you win the Europa League you can play in the UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winners and that would be really good for the team and the club, so we will see."

The Reds travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight with just a point separating them from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City and Mascherano feels that last week's win over Harry Redknapp's side will act as a springboard against the club's two main contenders for fourth.

He added: "It is only one point and that can be turned around in a single game. Obviously it doesn't depend only on us but the win against Tottenham reduced the gap on them, which is good for us. We are not too far away."

(lu sur Click Liverpool)

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Ah l'optimisme... Même si je veux bien y adérer.

Liverpool: Maxi Rodriguez est un Red

Liverpool have completed the signing of Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez from La Liga side Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.

The pacey midfielder has signed a 3-year contract and was unveiled to the Anfield crowd before this evening’s FA Cup tie against Reading.

It is understood that Javier Mascherano was a major influence in tempting Rodriguez to Merseyside, with the two being close friends and international teammates.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez was delighted after completing the signing, telling press, “He can play on the right, left or as a second striker.

“He is good at getting into the box and is a good finisher. Every year he gets five to 15 goals from midfield.”

Rodriguez could make his debut as early as this Saturday’s Premier League clash with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Benitez added, “We were looking for players with character and a good mentality,” Benitez added.

“I know he was not doing as well as he did in the past at Atletico Madrid, but he is doing really well with Argentina and wants to impress for the World Cup.”

The signing will spark more transfer rumours about the future of Ryan Babel at Anfield, with Birmingham City reportedly having had a £9million for the Dutch international turned down last week.


(lu sur le blog This Is Anfield)